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YOKOTA AIR BASE – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s senior enlisted advisor is ensuring Yokota Airmen and their families have what they need to stay ready and resilient.
During his visit, Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Kevin Osby toured Exchange facilities at Camp Zama and Yokota Air Base and met with 374th Mission Support Group Commander Col. Ryan Vetter and Chief Master Sgt. Jessica Cambron to discuss how the Department of Defense retailer can improve the quality of life for the community.
“The Exchange is all in to make Camp Zama and Yokota a great place to work and live,” said Osby, one of about 30 active-duty service members assigned to the Exchange. “We’re committed to expanding and improving our services and options to best serve the community.”
Recent improvements included the addition of unleaded gasoline at Yokota Fussa Express, providing more affordable fuel options for Airmen and the military community. In past years, only premium unleaded gasoline was available for purchase.
In 2023, Exchange leadership has focused on building relationships with community partners, installation commanders and military families through a variety of events such as “Meet the Managers.” Exchange leaders have also conducted more than 20 immersion tours with Group and Squadron installation commanders to provide them insight to the daily operations of the 54th-largest retailer in the United States.
During the past year, the Yokota Exchange was recognized for Superior Excellence; awarded the Best Medium Size Exchange worldwide by Exchange senior leadership at the General Managers and Main Store Manager conference in April; and won Stars & Stripes’ “Best in Pacific” as the best Exchange in Mainland Japan.
Every time service members shop their Exchange—whether in person or at ShopMyExchange.com—they are strengthening their community. 100% of Exchange earnings are reinvested in the military community through funding for critical Quality-of-Life programs, as well as capital improvements. In the last 10 years, the Exchange worldwide has contributed $3.5 billion in earnings to Quality-of-Life programs.
“It matters where you shop,” Osby said. “Small changes can make a big difference in a community. The Exchange is passionate about enhancing the quality of life for our heroes.”
Main photo caption:
Team Yokota: The Exchange Pacific Region Senior Enlisted Advisor Army Sgt. Maj. Generose Green, the Exchange’ Senior Enlisted Advisor Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Kevin Osby and Exchange Pacific Region Commander Air Force Col. Jason L. Beck pose for a picture with Yokota/Camp Fuji General Manager Andrew Defelice, Yokota Store Manager Evelyn Yamaguchi and her team during Osby’ visit. This is the first time Yokota has won Stars and Stripes’ Best of the Pacific for the best Exchange on mainland Japan since the beginning of the contest in 19 years.
